Articulable projecting plug

ABSTRACT

An articulable projecting plug is disclosed that provides for interchangeable mechanical connection between one of several electronic-signal ports such as video-signal ports, and housing/support structure associated with an electronic device such as a flat-screen television. The plug also accommodates video communication between a video-signal source and such television. The plug includes joining structure constructed to bring the plug into contact with the port and hold them both in such joined relationship. The joining structure includes an outer surface and holder structure for holding the first end of an elongate conductor so that joinder of the plug with the port will also result in contact between such first end and the port. The plug also includes an elongate projecting member terminating with first and second ends, with the first end being operatively connected to the joining structure so that the projecting elongate member extends from it and away from the port. A pivot is provided so that the projecting member is articulable in a pivot plane. The projecting member also includes a connector located adjacent its second end for fastening to such housing/support structure of the electronic device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/571,950, filedMay 15, 2000 for an ARTICULABLE PROJECTING PLUG, which is a continuationof application Ser. No. 09/191,926 filed Nov. 13, 1998 for anARTICULABLE PROJECTING PLUG, which is a continuation of application Ser.No. 08/799,617 filed Feb. 11, 1997 for an ARTICULABLE PROJECTING PLUG,which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/636,172 filed Apr.22, 1996 for an ARTICULABLE PROJECTING PLUG, which is a file wrappercontinuation of application Ser. No. 08/173,799 filed Dec. 20, 1993 foran ARTICULABLE PROJECTING PLUG, which is a continuation in part of U.S.Pat. No. 5,271,590, which issued on Dec. 21, 1993 for an ARTICULABLEPROJECTING PLUG. The subject matter of these applications and patentsare incorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to electronic/mechanicalconnections between an electronic device and an electronic-signalsource, and more particularly to an articulable projecting plug formaking such connections between such a device and source.

[0003] It is desirable for the user of an electronic device thatincludes a monitor to be able to position selectively the monitor forcomfortable viewing angles. Such electronic device may be any of variousdevices including televisions or computer monitors. When using such adevice, the user is normally sitting in a room or some other type ofenclosure or compartment. For example, other enclosures may include thecockpit or passenger area of an airplane.

[0004] Conventional televisions and computer monitors are usuallypositioned in preset positions relative to the viewer. Certainconventional systems include a stand on which to place themonitor/television. For the remainder of this description,monitor/television will be referred to simply as a monitor, and itshould be understood that by monitor applicant refers to any type ofdevice for displaying audio/visual or visual information to a viewer.

[0005] Prior art proposals involving stands for the monitor provide fora certain amount of adjustability including a swivel mechanism or a tiltfeature. However, the stand-based systems are designed for use inrelatively stationary settings where there is room to place the monitoron a stand, with the stand usually being placed on a desk or table.

[0006] For applications where it is impractical or impossible to use astand and desk/table, the prior art is lacking a device whereby themonitor may be supported and selectively movable to positions providingimproved viewing for individual viewers. There is an increasing need forsuch a capability because of the greater awareness and focus onergonomics, which is also known as human engineering or human-factorsengineering. Essentially, ergonomics is an applied science thatcoordinates the design of devices and physical working/use conditionswith the capacities and requirements of the user.

[0007] Focusing on the aforementioned aircraft setting, the physicalconditions of the passenger area do not provide a lot of room formovement by the passenger, or for auxiliary furniture such as desks,tables and other platforms. Similarly, pilots and other airline-supportpersonnel occupy work areas such as the cockpit which present spaceswhich are equally, if not more, cramped with minimal room for performingtheir duties.

[0008] In the aircraft setting, such monitors are used by pilots andsupport personnel in the cockpit and work areas, as well as bypassengers in the passenger area. Usually such monitors are fixedlymounted in the interior structure of the aircraft and therefore sufferfrom the drawback of not being adjustable for individual viewers. Inother words, these prior art systems are not ergonomically correct for awide variety of users.

[0009] With respect to the mounting of monitors in theaircraft-passenger area, U.S. Pat. No. 4,647,980 to Steventon et al.proposes a relatively complicated system of mounting television receivermodules in the back of an aircraft passenger seat, such as within theheadrest portion of the seat, with the television screen facing backwardfor viewing by a passenger sitting in the seat immediately behind suchheadrest. Steventon et al. note that the television screen can beangularly oriented within the chassis at a selected tilt angle which isgenerally complimentary to the average reclined angle of such passengerseats. Problems with the proposal in Steventon et al. include that thetelevision receiver modules are mounted in a preset, fixed positionwithout allowing for adjustment by individual passengers. In addition,while the receiver modules are removable, the removing procedure issomewhat complicated by multiple plugs, thereby requiring a two-handedmounting operation.

[0010] Similar to the limitations of the mounting system in Steventon etal., U.S. Pat. No. 4,982,996 to Vottero-Fin et al. discloses anautomotive seating system that includes an armrest of a front seat withan open back end in which is placed a television set. The televisionscreen is viewable by passengers seated in a backseat when the armrestis swung to an operating position that makes the armrest's back endvisible to such passengers. The television set is fixedly attached inthe armrest and associated mounting members do not allow for selectiveadjustment of it for improved viewing.

[0011] In addition to their drawbacks from an ergonomic point of view,prior art mounting systems like those disclosed in Steventon et al. andVottero-Fin et al. also fail to provide for multiple positioning of amonitor within a viewing area. These conventional systems are fixedlyattached to a specific port and are not easily withdrawn from one portfor placement in another.

[0012] In settings like the above-mentioned aircraft-passenger area itis desirable to have monitor mounting systems designed so that a givenmonitor may be plugged into any one of multiple ports located within thepassenger area. By using such a mounting system with the recentlydeveloped, relatively small flat-screen televisions, airline companiescould offer customers an optional, individual television service.Suitable ports could be installed adjacent each passenger seat andairline employees could hand out such televisions with It correspondingmounting systems to customers on a fee basis. Such a television servicecould be provided in the same way that airlines presently offer audioservice by handing out headphones to customers who can use them byinserting them in a jack provided in their seat.

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide amonitor-mounting device that connects a monitor to an electronic-signalsource and can be adjusted so that the user may position selectively themonitor for ergonomically correct viewing.

[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such adevice that enables one-handed connecting of the monitor to theelectronic-signal source and provides for mounting of the monitoradjacent an electronic-signal port.

[0015] A further object is to provide such a device that is easilyconnectable to multiple ports so that a monitor placed on such devicemay be used interchangeably in any one of the ports.

[0016] It is also an object of the invention to provide such a devicethat can be easily and cost-effectively manufactured.

[0017] A still further object is to provide such a device that is easilyconvertible for mounting on either the right or left side of a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The invention achieves the above objects by providing anarticulable projecting plug that makes a mechanical connection betweenan electronic signal port and housing/support structure associated withan electronic device, and accommodates electronic communication betweena signal source and such device by establishing contact between a firstend of a conductor that is connectable with such a device and such port.The plug includes a joining member structured to bring the plug intocontact with the port and hold them both in such joined relationship.The joining member includes an outer surface and holder structure forholding the first end of such elongate conductor structure so thatjoinder of the plug with the port will also result in contact betweensuch first end and the port.

[0019] The plug also includes an elongate projecting member terminatingwith first and second ends, with the first end being operativelyconnected to the joining member so that the projecting member extendsfrom it and away from the port. A pivot is provided so that the elongateprojecting member is articulable in a pivot plane. The projecting memberalso includes a connector located adjacent its second end for fasteningto such housing/support structure of the electronic device.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment the plug includes a receptacle mountedadjacent the port for receiving the joining member. The receptacle alsoincludes a locking mechanism allowing for one-handed connection of thejoining member with the receptacle. The pivot is disposed between thejoining member and the elongate projecting member.

[0021] These and additional objects and advantages of the presentinvention will be more readily understood after a consideration of thedrawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the invention in a partially open,articulated position holding a flat-screen television, and in anunjoined position with the receptacle which is located in the arm of anaircraft seat.

[0023]FIG. 2 is like FIG. 1 except that the invention has been pivotedin the pivot plane to a closed position, and is joined with thereceptacle.

[0024]FIG. 3 is a top view of the receptacle showing the video-signalport and the locking mechanism.

[0025]FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the receptacle.

[0026]FIG. 5A is a side sectional view along line 5-5 of FIGS. 3 and 4showing portions of the locking mechanism with the mechanism in a lockedposition.

[0027]FIG. 5B is like FIG. 5A except that the locking mechanism is in anunlocked position.

[0028]FIG. 6A is a side sectional view along line 6-6 of FIGS. 3 and 4showing the joining member in the receptacle with the locking mechanismin a locked position.

[0029]FIG. 6B is like FIG. 6A except that the locking mechanism is in anunlocked position and the joining member is being removed from thereceptacle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0030] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show the articulableprojecting plug of the present invention at 10 for holding a monitorsuch as a flat-screen television, a fragmentary section of which isshown by dashed lines 11. The term monitor is meant to refer to anydisplay for an electronic or avionic device which is capable ofdisplaying audio/visual or visual information. Plug 10 includes joiningstructure 12 constructed to bring the plug into contact with anelectronic/video port such as jack 14 (FIG. 3) and hold them both in ajoined relationship like that shown at 16 in FIG. 2.

[0031] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, joining structure 12 includesan outer surface 18 in which a recess 20 is formed for use in connectionwith a to-be-described locking mechanism for holding releasably joiningstructure 12 in a space 22 defined by a receptacle 24. For futurereference, the reader should note that joining structure 12 includessloping edge 12 a and curved edge 12 b, the significance of which willbecome apparent after referring to the description of the lockingmechanism provided below. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, receptacle 24 isplaced in an open hole of an arm 26 of an aircraft seat (undepicted).Receptacle 24 is operatively connected to a frame member 26 a.Preferably, the receptacle is fixedly positioned so that it is flushwith the top surface of arm 26 and it may be covered with a suitablehinged cover (undepicted). It should be understood that receptacle 24could be positioned in any interior wall or other structure adjacent theviewing area, and could be pivotably mounted to the structure.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 6A-6B, joining structure 12 includes alead end 28 which is joinable with jack 14 and encloses a first end 32 a(FIGS. 6A-6B) of conductor 32. Joining structure 12 also includes holderstructure 34 for holding first end 32 a so that joinder of plug 10 withjack 14 by placing it into space 22 of receptacle 24 will result incontact between first end 32 a and jack 14.

[0033] Referring to the left of joining structure 12 in FIG. 1, plug 10also includes elongate projecting structure 36 with first and secondends 38 a, b. First end 38 a is pivotedly connected to joining structure12 using suitable means. For example, end 38 a may be formed witharcuate arms 40 a, b which are fittable around a bearing 42 which isrotatably positioned in the end of joining structure 12 that is oppositelead end 28. Arms 40 a, b may be tightened around bearing 42 byactuating a fastener such as turning an alien screw 43 (FIGS. 6A-6B)which is positioned in a hole 44 formed in arm 40 a and extendable intoa threaded bore (undepicted) formed in arm 40 b.

[0034] Still referring to FIG. 1, projecting structure 36 is articulablebidirectionally, as shown by arrows at 46, preferably in a pivot planethat is substantially normal to the long axis joining structure 12. Itshould be understood that modifications to the pivotable connectionbetween the airplane, receptacle 24, projecting structure 36 and joiningstructure 12 would make it possible to select a variety of pivot planesand it is by no means a requirement of the invention that the pivotplane be substantially normal to the long axis of joining structure 12,nor that joining structure 12 pivot relative to projecting structure 36.

[0035] Referring to the left side of projecting structure 36 in FIG. 1,second end 38 b is provided with a connector such as a bearing 48 whichis rotatably positionable in it. The top of bearing 48 is rotatablypositionable in a suitable hole formed in housing/support structure 50.Housing/support structure 50 may be thought of as being part ofprojecting structure 36 so that projecting structure 36 could be said toinclude a first elongate projecting member 52 and a second elongateprojecting member 54. Second projecting member 54 includes a connectorfor attaching to upright support structure 56 and such a connector maytake the form of one or more screws, two of which are shown at 58 inFIG. 1.

[0036] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, upright support structure 56 ispreferably formed with two upright arms 60 a, b and a tilt bracket 62opposite ends of which are pivotably attached to the upright arms usingsuitable means such as bearings, one of which is shown at 64. Thebearings are attachable to bracket 62 using suitable fasteners such asscrews 66, and are attachable to arms 60 a, b using fasteners such asalien screw 67 (FIG. 2).

[0037]FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the present invention that isdesigned for mounting on the right side of a user. However, it should beunderstood that plug 10 could be easily converted for left-side mountingby simply detaching bracket 62 from arms 60 a, b, turning it 180°, andreattaching it to the arms.

[0038] Still referring to FIG. 1, tilt bracket 62 is pivotableselectively in a plane different from the pivot plane to allow the userto selectively adjust, or tilt, the monitor for improved, preferablyergonomically correct viewing.

[0039] Referring back to FIG. 1, preferably conductor 32 is positionableinside plug 10 with first end 32 a held by holder structure 34 and itssecond end 32 b projecting out of projecting structure 36 for connectionto television 11. (In FIG. 2, second end 32 b is shown orientedgenerally for such connection, with end 32 b being freely movable tomake such connection with television 11 (not shown in FIG. 2), asbetween bracket 62 and member 54). Such positioning is made possible byforming an open channel in both joining structure 12 (see conductor 32placed in such channel in FIGS. 6A-6B) and in projecting structure 36(see conductor 32 in such channel in FIG. 1 and exiting such channel inFIG. 2).

[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 3-6B, a locking mechanism for releasablylocking joining structure 12 in receptacle 24 will now be discussed. Thepreferred locking mechanism is shown generally at 68 and includes alaterally disposed bar 70 that is formed with a protrusion 72 whichextends into space 22. Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, bar 70 is positionablein an open section 74 formed in receptacle 24. Bar 70 is also formedwith an opening 76 for receiving a wedge 78 that extends downwardlyfrom, and is attached to, a pushbutton 80. As perhaps best shown in FIG.3, push-button 80 is fitted with three vertical-aligner pins 81 thatextend laterally into vertical tracks, two of which are shown by dashedlines 82 in FIG. 1, formed in receptacle 24. The pins are received inthe tracks to ensure that the pushbutton will move only vertically.

[0041] The reader can understand the locking mechanism by first viewingprotrusion 72 extending into space 22 as shown in FIGS. 3-4, and thenviewing recess 20 in outer surface 18 of joining structure 12 as shownin FIG. 1. Next, referring to FIG. 6A, there is shown protrusion 72 in afirst position blocking upward movement of joining structure 12.Protrusion 72 is movable to this first position by inserting joiningstructure 12 into receptacle 24 with sloping edge 12 a glidably movingalong angled surface 72 a. Because bar 70 (and thus protrusion 72) isspring-loaded with respect to horizontal movement in open section 74 ofreceptacle 24, downward movement of joining member 12 will cause glidingmovement between sloping edge 12 a and angled edge 72 a. Such glidingmovement will cause bar 70 to move laterally against spring-loadedtension until joining structure 12 is inserted completely into space 22.At this point, which is depicted in FIG. 6A, sloping edge 12 a will bepositioned below angled surface 72 a, which allows protrusion 72 (andbar 70) to spring laterally into curved edge 12 b. With protrusion 72movable to the first position shown in FIG. 6A, joining structure 12 islocked in receptacle 24 because the protrusion prevents upward movementof the joining structure out of the receptacle.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 5B-6B, it will be understood that the lockingmechanism may be unlocked by pushing down on pushbutton 80. Whenpushbutton 80 is pushed down, wedge 78 will force bar 70 to movelaterally such as to the right in open section 74 as shown in FIG. 5B.Referring to FIG. 6B, such movement of bar 70 will cause protrusion 72to move to the right in the direction of arrow 88, thereby allowingjoining structure 12 to be moved upwardly in the direction of arrow 90.Such upward movement is possible because protrusion 72 will no longer bein the first position shown in FIG. 6A, but will instead be in thesecond position shown in FIG. 6B where it is out of blocking positionwith curved edge 12 b of joining structure 12.

Operation

[0043] From the above description, and referring to FIG. 1, it should beapparent that articulable projecting plug 10 of the present invention isusable to make a mechanical connection between an electronic-signal portsuch as jack 14 and housing/support structure 50 which is associatedwith an electronic/avionic device such as television 11. Plug 10 alsoIVH accommodates electronic communication between a signal source(undepicted) and television 11 by establishing contact between first end32 a of conductor 32 and jack 14, with conductor 32 being connectablevia its second end 32 b to television 11.

[0044] Still referring to FIG. 1, once mechanical connection is made andelectronic communication exists between the source and television 11,plug 10 is articulable in the direction of arrows 46 in a pivot plane.The user can also move television 11 in a plane that is different fromthe pivot plane by moving tilt bracket 62 in the direction of arrows 92in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 5A-6A, the user locks plug 10 inreceptacle 24 by inserting joining structure 12 into space 22. Referringto FIG. 6A, such movement causes protrusion 72 of bar 70 (FIG. 5A) tomove to a first position blocking upward movement of sloping edge 12 athus blocking upward movement of joining structure 12.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 5B and 6B, the user unlocks plug 10 fromreceptacle 24 by pushing downwardly on pushbutton 80 which causes wedge78 to move downwardly, thereby moving bar 70 laterally againstspring-loaded tension. Such movement of bar 70 causes protrusion 72 tomove to a second position shown in FIG. 6B. The second position is outof blocking engagement with sloping edge 12 a, with the result beingthat joining member 12 can be moved upwardly and out of receptacle 24 inthe direction of arrow 90.

[0047] It should be appreciated that receptacles like receptacle 24could be placed in desired arms of aircraft-passenger seats (like arm26) and plug 10 could be easily interchangeably mounted in any one ofsuch receptacles to establish communication with an associated signalport (like jack 14). In this way, plug 10 could be used by airlinecompanies to offer individual television service to customers.

[0048] While the present invention has been shown and described withreference to the foregoing preferred embodiment, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that other changes in form and detail may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A plug comprising: projecting structure having first andsecond ends, the second end of the projecting structure being connectedto a housing/support structure for supporting an electronic device; amechanical connector arrangement including joining structure and areceptacle with a perimeter which defines a hollow interior, the joiningstructure being mounted on the first end of the projecting structure andhaving a protruding exterior which mates with the hollow interior of thereceptacle and is perimetrically engaged by the perimeter of thereceptacle to provide structural support for the projecting structure;and an electrical connector arrangement including a first part fixedrelative to the receptacle and a second part fixed relative to thejoining structure such that mating of the joining structure and thereceptacle of the mechanical connector arrangement effects mating of thefirst and second parts of the electrical connector arrangement.
 2. Theplug of claim 1, wherein the first part of the electrical connectorarrangement is disposed within the hollow interior of the receptacle andthe second part of the electrical connector is disposed on theprotruding exterior of the joining structure.
 3. An electronic devicesupport which allows a user to make a mechanical connection between adesired one of plural receptacles and an electronic device, and whichallows a user to make an electrical connection between an electronicsignal port of the desired receptacle and such electronic device, theelectronic device support comprising: joining structure including aprotuberance configured to mate with the desired receptacle to removablyjoin the electronic device support to the desired receptacle, theprotuberance being configured to mechanically support the electronicdevice support by such mating relationship between the protuberance andthe desired receptacle; elongate conductor structure having first andsecond ends, the first end of the conductor structure being connectableto the electronic device and the second end of the conductor structurebeing connectable to the electronic signal port, mating joinder of theprotuberance with the desired receptacle resulting in contact betweenthe first end of the conductor structure and the electronic signal port;and projecting structure terminating with first and second ends, thefirst end of the projecting structure being connected to the joiningstructure so that the projecting structure extends from it, and thesecond end of the projecting structure being configured for connectionto the electronic device.
 4. The electronic device support of claim 3,wherein the protuberance is elongate, the protuberance being configuredto enclose the first end of the conductor structure.
 5. The electronicdevice support of claim 3, wherein the receptacle defines a perimeterwhich defines a hollow interior which encloses the electronic signalport.
 6. The electronic device support of claim 3, wherein the joiningstructure and projecting structure are each formed with an open channelextending along their length, and wherein the channels are aligned toprovide a passage for the conductor structure through the electronicdevice support, the conductor structure being positionable inside theelectronic device support with the first end thereof in a holderstructure of the joining structure, and the second end thereofconnecting to the electronic device.
 7. A support/connection apparatusoperable by a user for supporting an electronic device and accommodatingcommunication between a signal source and such electronic device, theapparatus comprising: a receptacle with a perimeter which defines ahollow interior and a signal port positioned therein, the signal portbeing fixed within the hollow interior and configured for connection tothe signal source; elongate conductor structure having first and secondends, the first end of the conductor structure being configured forconnection to the signal port and the second end of the conductorstructure being configured for connection to the electronic device; toprojecting structure having first and second ends, the second end of theprojecting structure being configured for connection to the electronicdevice to mechanically support the electronic device; and joiningstructure connected to the first end of the projecting structure andconfigured for releasable mechanical joining with the receptacle byinsertion of the joining structure into At the receptacle such that thereceptacle perimeter establishes mechanical support for the projectingstructure, the joining structure including holder structure for holdingthe first end of such elongate conductor structure fixed relative to thejoining structure so that mechanical joinder of the joining structurewith the receptacle will result in connection between the first end ofthe conductor structure and the signal port.
 8. The apparatus of claim7, wherein the joining structure and projecting structure are eachformed with an open channel, the channels being aligned to provide apassage for the conductor structure through the apparatus with theconductor structure being positionable within the open channel with thefirst end of the conductor structure in the holder structure of thejoining structure, and the second end of the conductor structureconfigured for connection to the electronic device.
 9. A plug assemblywhich allows a user to make a mechanical connection between a desiredone of plural receptacles and an electronic device, and whichaccommodates electronic communication between a signal source and suchelectronic device via an electronic signal port enclosed by thereceptacle, the assembly comprising: an elongate conductor having firstand second ends, the second end of the conductor being connectable tothe electronic device; joining structure including an elongateprotuberance configured to mechanically join with the desired receptacleand an outer surface configured to hold the joining structure anddesired receptacle in such joined, placed relationship, theprotuberance-being configured to establish a load-bearing structuralsupport for the electronic device, and including a holder configured tohold the first end of the elongate conductor so that mechanical joinderof the protuberance with the desired receptacle also will result inelectrical connection between the first end of the conductor and theelectronic signal port which is enclosed by the desired receptacle; andprojection structure terminating with first and second ends, the firstend of the projection structure being connected to the joining structureso that the projection structure extends from the joining structure, andwhere the projection includes a connector located adjacent its secondend for fastening to the electronic device.
 10. The plug assembly ofclaim 9 wherein the protuberance is elongate and generally tubular witha lead end that joins with the desired receptacle, and wherein thejoining structure is structured to enclose the first end of theconductor.
 11. The plug assembly of claim 9 wherein the joiningstructure and projection structure are each formed with an open channelextending along their length, and wherein the channels are aligned toprovide a passage for the conductor through the plug, the conductorbeing positionable inside the plug with its first end in the holder ofthe joining structure, and its second end projecting out of theprojection structure for connection to the electronic device.